Based at the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, with a vibrant nightlife and a selection of restaurants and cafes, Airlie Beach has all the ingredients for an epic getaway. But you just need the best Airbnb to match.
Finding the right fit for accommodation can be a grueling process. And that’s where Urban List comes in, with top Airbnbs, suited to every type of traveller, all with the shared goal of ensuring their visitors leave feeling recharged from their time in the Whitsundays.
So delve into our list of the best Airbnbs in Airlie Beach, and all that’s left for you to do is take that leave and catch your flight.
Airlie Beach | Sleeps 5 Airlie Bungalows B3
Two words. Outdoor bathtub. There’s just something a bit spesh about lounging in bubbles while gazing at lush tropical surrounds or a starry night sky, and this boutique Airbnb in central Airlie Beach offers just that treat. It’s one of five bungalows in the same area (which can all be booked together to form an epic private group retreat), and features an actual bathroom courtyard where you can bathe in peace.
Bathtub aside, you’ve also got an outdoor shower to refresh under, and a large private balcony with a table for eating outdoors. Not that you need to. Your accommodation is a short, flat walk from town, which makes exploring the restaurants, beaches and nightlife just that much more fun.
Airlie Beach | Sleeps 2 Heaven on Earth
Take some time out in your own top floor Airlie Beach Airbnb with, not one, but two balconies from which to admire views of the ocean, islands and marina. Heaven on Earth is aptly named as an epic launchpad for exploring the Whitsundays. You are right in the midst of Airlie Beach, just a five-minute stroll from town with all its eateries and boutiques.
Your living space flows nicely out to one of the big balconies. Just open up the floor-to-ceiling glass doors and you can enjoy that sea breeze. Take a seat at the outdoor table with a cheeky G&T and you could spend hours here just watching the boats go by. There’s another bonus to booking this accommodation, guests get access to the complex’s two swimming pools, and the champions that own this place supply pool and beach towels for your stay. There’s also a hot tub and pool table you can use for free—both located at the Anchor Bar and Restaurant so you can stay on for sundowners.
Airlie Beach | Sleeps 4 Airlie Breezes at the Boathouse
Looking for an Airlie Beach Airbnb where you can bring a couple of mates along for the ride? This centrally located stay is just the ticket. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms it makes travelling with friends a breeze, and you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from the fabulous marina views from the deck.
Head out there with a glass of something special and watch the boats go by. Or perhaps you’d prefer to head to the shared resort-style swimming pool or heated hot tub instead? If you’re feeling energetic there’s a shared tennis court to play in (BYO raquets and balls), and you’re just a short flat walk to the main street for all the fun stuff.
Jubilee Pocket | Sleeps 2 La Boheme Studio
Trying to decide between beach and bush for your next holiday destination? Why choose? With La Boheme Studio in Airlie Beach offering the best of both worlds it’s the perfect getaway accommodation.
Nestled in the rainforests of Airlie, right on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, this Airbnb offers the perfect combination of secluded tranquility and sandy adventure. While the vibrancy of Airlie life has so much to offer, the magnesium pool and entertainment area at this accommodation will tempt you to set up shop.
Cannonvale | Sleeps 5 Shelby House
Talk about living the high life. Welcome to Shelby House, it’s an epic Airlie Beach stay where you can imagine what it’s like to have 180-degree ocean views and a private pool on standby every day. This pristine Airbnb occupies a spot beneath the owner’s home, but you’ll feel totally secluded, not least because you get private access to that super lush pool.
Your accommodation is a three-minute drive to the centre of Airlie Beach and just two minutes from the Coral Sea Marina where you can get that diving trip booked in. Back at base, we expect you to be dividing your time between the pool, cabana, and huge decked entertaining area, which naturally has a barbecue you can fire up come snack time.
Cannonvale | Sleeps 2 Havana Retreat
Waterfalls, rainforests and long cycle rides along beachfront boardwalks. The epitome of relaxation and all available for you at the Havana Retreat. Located just a short walk from the town centre, this Airlie Beach Airbnb will cater to all your relaxation needs and we love that the hosts provide free bikes to use.
The refurbished accommodation allows for plenty of space and the private breakfast bar means you can enjoy your mornings engrossed in the nature of the Whitsundays rainforests before beginning a day of exploring the town, daytripping to the reef or grabbing your fave book and making use of the hammocks Havana Retreat has to offer.
Airlie Beach | Sleeps 6 Whitsunday View Boho Apartment
If your biggest struggle when booking a holiday is making sure your accommodation offers something to suit every member of your group, then take a breath, because Whitsunday View Boho Apartment can solve this problem.
With wide views of the Airlie Beach Marina from the balcony of this Airbnb and multiple pools to keep the kids entertained for hours, you'll be spoilt for choice on what to do. An added bonus of this stay is its handy location just a short walk from the town centre. Your holiday bases are covered.
Airlie Beach | Sleeps 2 The Top Floor
When it comes to enjoying picturesque views from the luxury of your bed, look no further than The Top Floor luxury Airbnb. With panoramic views of the Coral Sea and the Airlie Beach Marina, this stay boasts one of the best places to enjoy an afternoon cocktail.
With an impressive spa bath and beautiful pools and amenities, your accommodation is perfect for a romantic getaway that will be sure to keep you in the good books. Just a short stroll from the centre of town, if luxury is what you’re craving then The Top Floor has you covered.
Airlie Beach | Sleeps 8 23 The Cove
Looking to spoil the family for your next summer holiday? Or maybe you’re keen to get the girls together for a long overdue trip? Whatever your situation, 23 The Cove has you sorted with the ultimate Airlie Beach location, designed to impress.
Sporting waterfront views and an open plan entertainment area that will have you catching your breath, a stay at this Airbnb would be impossible to pass up. Whether you feel like swimming in the marina or the private pool attached to the accommodation, you won’t need to leave the house… unless you run out of your cold beverage of choice, which should definitely be enjoyed from the lounging chairs as you soak in all Airlie has to offer.
Airlie Beach | Sleeps 4 Hamptons on the Hill
Like your Airbnbs with 270 degree views of the Whitsunday Islands? So do we. This top Queensland spot offers some serious luxe appeal. You’ve got your own fully self-contained two-bedder, with your very own award-winning magnesium infinity pool and epic outdoor entertaining area for lounging in.
Your barbecue’s out here on the undercover deck, with an outlook so fabulous you’ll be begging to be nominated chef. If that doesn’t float your boat, you’re just a ten-minute stroll to the beach and restaurants of buzzing Airlie Beach, where you can book yourself a cruise on the Great Barrier Reef.
Airlie Beach | Sleeps 2+ Airlie Guest House
This bed and breakfast offers the full Airlie experience. Take the opportunity to live like a local when you stay at the Airlie Guest House. Nestled in the native rainforests of Airlie Beach, with stunning views of the Marina and spacious living areas.
The real treat of this experience though, is hosts Mick and Megan, who are more than eager to provide advice and knowledge about the beautiful town, as well as provide you with a continental breakfast at no extra expense. Taking the opportunity to get to know Airlie like a true local can only make this Airbnb even more special.
Airlie Beach | Sleeps 2 Three A Airlie
How about a cute Airlie Beach stay with its own private hot tub on the balcony to lounge in? This one-bedroom Airbnb, in a peaceful spot about ten minutes from town on a hill with views of the Coral sea, has got just that. Throw on your bathers and enjoy a lengthy soak and afterwards you can head down to the shared infinity pool if you need to cool off.
This accommodation has everything you need for a top stay, including a fully-equipped kitchenette, neat bathroom with a bathtub, and a secure parking spot. Your queen size four poster bed has 100 per cent cotton linen, and you’ll struggle to get up in the morning because—well—that view.
Airlie Beach | Sleeps 2 The Green Villa at Elementa
The Green Villa at Elementa has a lot going for it. One of nine luxe nature-inspired Airbnbs on Mount Whitsunday, it offers uninterrupted views of the Coral Sea, access to shared edible gardens, and a shared mineral infinity pool too.
Inside your five star-rated Airlie Beach pad, you’ll find Norwegian Ming Green marble tiles, a seriously lush kitchen, and a sparkling bathroom with a gorgeous freestanding tub for soaking in. Plus, your outdoor balcony has to be one of the best in the beach, thanks to its sweeping marina views. Phew!
Contributors: Katherine Davison
Main image credit: Airbnb
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